Endo-SPONGE

With the introduction of total mesorectal excision as the standard treatment for rectal carcinoma, the number of low sphincter-preserving resections has increased with a simultaneous decrease in exstirpations. The most important complication following anterior rectal resection is anastomotic leakage. Clinically manifest anastomotic leakage occurs in up to 15% of patients.

Because of the immediate proximity of the sphincter to the anastomosis, there is a permanent tailback of infected secretion and gas into the intestinal lumen. Once an anastomotic leakage has occurred, primary inflammation develops in the area of the anastomosis, localized in the minor pelvis. If the secretion continues to rise, generalized peritonitis can result, with severe septic progression involving multiple organ failure and potentially culminating in the death of the patient.

Where there is local lower abdominal peritonitis with an endoscopically accessible cavity, the Endo-SPONGE treatment can be applied.

The Endo-SPONGE Therapy
The cavity is drained by the endoscopically introduced Endo-SPONGE system with Redyrob® TRANS PLUS. The open pores of the sponge allow the suction to be transferred over all tissue in contact with the sponge surface.